[Photo: Ian McKenzie] By winning the silver in 1993, Richard Cobbing brought Britain its first World Championship medal in skiing since 1936.

Aerials is one of the most spectacular ski events for audiences. Skiers perform two different jumps off carefully prepared kickers, using short skis (around 170cm) and no poles. Scoring is made up of 20% for air (the take-off, height and distance of the jump), 50% for form (the proper style, execution and precision of movement) and 30% for a clean, safe landing.

Jumps are announced before take-off, and deviating from the announced jump results in a no-score.

The emphasis is on safety: jump sites are built to carefully controlled dimensions, with a long, steep landing area to reduce impact in case of a crash. Competitors practise their jumps into water during the summer months, and each new jump must be qualified by a international coach before it can be performed on snow.

Many aerialists have backgrounds as gymnasts or trampolinists, though most are good skiers in addition.